Mariners name Polytec as front shirt sponsor for next five seasons

Central Coast Mariners and Anytime Fitness

The Central Coast Mariners announced a groundbreaking collaboration with Polytec, take on the role of front-of-shirt sponsor for the Mariners’ A-League Men’s team for the next five seasons.

The five-year agreement, set to begin from the upcoming season, marks the most significant commercial deal in the club’s history.

Polytec, which started on the Central Coast, has grown into a prominent name in Australian manufacturing and distribution of decorative surfaces, celebrated for its commitment to quality and sustainability.

This partnership reflects the shared values of excellence, innovation, and community engagement that both polytec and the Mariners hold dear.

The new partnership will soon be visible to fans, as polytec’s branding will be featured on the Mariners’ kits for the 2024/25 A-League Men’s season, with the unveiling of the new design expected in the coming weeks.

In addition to the sponsorship, the Mariners’ academies will now carry the Borg name, further reinforcing the company’s commitment to community development and local talent support.

This initiative underscores both organisations’ dedication to nurturing the next generation of football stars and making a lasting impact in the Central Coast region.

The recently appointed CEO of Central Coast Mariners, Alyssar Narey, discussed the many benefits of this collaboration.

“We are thrilled to welcome polytec to the Mariners’ family. As a National Australian brand with founders who are from the Central Coast, their dedication to innovation and excellence aligns perfectly with our club’s values,” Narey said in a statement.

“This partnership not only strengthens our team’s presence on the field but also highlights our commitment to forging strong relationships with leading businesses in our community.

“The direction and new initiatives we are undertaking as a club are greatly supported by this partnership. Naming rights to our academies align perfectly with our community pillar, enhancing our ability to nurture local talent and contribute positively to the community.”

Managing Director of the Borg Group, John Borg, shared his pride in the collaboration.

“We are proud to partner with the Central Coast Mariners, a club that embodies the spirit of our community and excellence.” Borg said in a statement.

“At Borg, we strive to be leaders in our industry, and this partnership with the Mariners allows us to support a team that shares our passion for community, success and innovation. We look forward to a strong collaboration over the next five years.”

This partnership is one that presents fantastic opportunities for both parties on and off the field. The goal for them is to deepen community engagement and enhance the prospects of the Central Coast region, which will be fantastic for the local community.

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APL and PFA remain without agreement as bargaining tensions continue

The Australian Professional Leagues (APL) and Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) remain without a new collective bargaining agreement, with negotiations continuing less than three months before the start of the 2026–27 A-Leagues season.

The APL presented the players’ union with a new one-year interim proposal on August 5, which included an increase to the A-League Women salary cap and a commitment to establish a pathway towards full-time professionalism for the women’s competition within 12 months.

The proposed agreement would provide an interim framework while the two parties continue discussions over a longer-term collective bargaining agreement.

APL chief executive Steve Rosich said the proposal reflected the league’s commitment to reaching a sustainable agreement with players following eight months of negotiations.

However, the PFA criticised the APL for publicly announcing the proposal shortly after presenting it to the union, arguing that the approach had further damaged trust between the two parties.

PFA Chief Executive Beau Busch also said players had overwhelmingly rejected the APL’s previous final offer, citing a lack of trust in the league’s ability to ensure its future.

Full-time professionalism for the A-League Women remains a key priority for the PFA, with players seeking improved conditions and greater investment in the competition.

The A-League Men and A-League Women seasons are both scheduled to begin on 16 October 2026.

With the new season approaching, both parties face pressure to resolve the dispute and establish the framework governing player conditions across the A-Leagues.

 

 

Jeff Bezos consortium set for $2.7 billion Liverpool investment

Liverpool could soon welcome one of the world’s richest men into its ownership structure.

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is part of a consortium in advanced talks to buy a 30% stake in the club.

The proposed deal values Liverpool at around $8.6 billion (4.5 billion pounds). Bezos has a personal fortune estimated at $363 billion.

The investment would give Fenway Sports Group (FSG) a major financial return. It would also allow FSG to keep control of the club, which they bought in 2010.

The proposal has attracted attention across football. It has also created concern among sections of the Liverpool fanbase.

FSG set for major return

FSG bought Liverpool for $573 million (300 million pounds) in 2010. The ownership group later provided further funding through loans. In the last 16 years, the club has undergone major growth.

Liverpool ended a 30-year wait for a league title in 2020. The club also won the Champions League in 2019. Another Premier League title followed in 2025.

Stadium redevelopment and a new training centre have also increased the club’s value. FSG could cash in on $2.7 billion (1.4 billion pounds) if the 30% share is sold.

The deal would therefore represent a huge return on its original investment. However, whilst the investment would provide a massive cash out for the owners of Liverpool, due to Financial Fair Play there won’t be increased investment in the transfer market.

Why Bezos wants Liverpool

Bezos has explored sports investments before. He has been linked with major American franchises such as the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks.

Liverpool would give him a stake in one of football’s biggest global brands. The club also has a large following in the United States. The New York Times has also reported Liverpool has 26 million fans in America.

That makes the investment attractive for investors looking to expand their reach in global sport. American businessmen Eduardo Saverin and Amit Bhatia are also reportedly involved in the consortium.

The deal would add to the growing American influence across English football.

Fans remain cautious

Liverpool supporters have not automatically welcomed the proposal.

The club’s previous experience under Tom Hicks and George Gillett still influences the fanbase.

Supporters also want greater clarity over the consortium’s intentions. Questions remain over board representation, control and the long-term purpose of the investment.

For many fans, ownership must involve more than financial ambition. The Bezos proposal could strengthen Liverpool’s commercial position. It could also deliver a huge payday for FSG.

But until the consortium reveals more about its plans, supporters are likely to treat the deal with scepticism.

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